If you operate in a highly competitive industry, then standing out from your competitors is critical when it comes to your company’s success. Although a lot of businesses understand this, few put it into practice. Around 58% of consumers are not brand loyal, meaning that if another company comes along, it is likely that they will stray. This means that, in today’s market, you need to stand out from the crowd to succeed.
If you want your business to be successful, then you need to differentiate yourself from others to be noticed. If you don’t you end up looking like everyone else and blending into the crowd, which makes it harder for people to notice you when it comes to choosing a business. If you’re not sure how to make your business stand out in a competitive industry, let’s take a look at some quick and easy ways to do so.
Memorable Customer Service
Even if your business isn’t in the service industry, it’s important to treat your customers like royalty. All customers have an expectation of receiving great service, especially if they are parting with their money. If customers have to wait in long lines, get poor responses when dealing with employees or just generally have a bad experience, then it is highly unlikely that they will return, especially if they can get similar or the same products from a competitor.
Roughly 75% of consumers say that customer service is a true test of a company’s ability and expertise, so if you get it right, then your customers will remember this and are more likely to return. Things such as quick and accessible customer service, welcoming staff, providing plenty of information, and ease of shopping are all simple things that can create memorable customer service.
Create A Strong Online Presence
This is a given if you are an online-only business, but if you are a brick-and-mortar store, then having a strong online presence alongside your store can put you in front of more consumers. This is especially more important if you are in a location that is saturated with competitors or similar businesses, such as jewelry stores in Hatton Gardens or coffee shops in a city center. Invest in the online presence of your business and you will be rewarded many times over.
Starting with things such as local SEO can greatly improve your visibility, especially if customers are in the nearby vicinity and are looking for surrounding businesses. Having a strong social media presence can keep your audience engaged and show that you’ve got plenty to offer. Things such as SEO and PPC, alongside a strong website, means that your business will appear in more searches and this will encourage visitors to your site.
Be Honest
Consumers don’t like to be let down and honesty is not just the best policy, but it should be your main one. If you lie to your customers, about anything from delivery dates to price guarantees, then you need to be having tough conversations with your customers to set things straight. If your customers ever find out that you’re lying or misrepresenting anything, then they will instantly lose faith in you and may even spread this feedback to their friends and family. Be straight and honest with them and you will massively boost your customer’s respect for you, putting you ahead of your competitors.
Surprise Your Customers
Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact. If you have the capabilities, then why not consider doing the unexpected and surprising your customers every now and then? If you have a brick and mortar store, try to create a fuss of them when they enter, but enough to make them feel valued, rather than scare them away! If it’s raining, ask if you can take their umbrella whilst they browse or perhaps ask if they have any questions.
In certain stores, such as jewelry shops, you can really make the effort to surprise customers and give them a great shopping experience. For example, if a couple comes in looking for a specialist vintage engagement ring, then they are looking for a special occasion. Have champagne chilling to give them whilst they look and create a special area in the store where they can sit and look at any rings they have picked out.
If they buy, offer complimentary gift wrapping and include a handwritten slip congratulating them, or include free ring cleaning/insurance for a year or two. Small things such as this don’t cost much, but they can be a lovely surprise for customers and is something that they will always remember.
Make Your Company Stand Out
There are many different ways in which you can make your company stand out from the crowd in a sea of competitors, but hopefully, this article has given you a great place where you can start. Remember, every business is different and at the end of the day, you’re looking to create value for your customers. Standing out amongst your competitors is no easy task, but once you master it, you will be rewarded massively.